Community Program Recognizes Austin Companies that Give Back at Awards Event
(Austin, TX) January 28, 2014 – Austin Gives, an organization dedicated to recognizing and encouraging business philanthropy, awarded Zuma Office Supply for their outstanding efforts in giving back to the community. The awards ceremony to celebrate and encourage citywide giving took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, and included community leaders, local businesses and the nonprofits they support.
John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems and Patron Spirits, was the keynote speaker, who spoke on the importance of business philanthropy in society. Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell was also a featured speaker, and Judy Maggio and Walt Maciborski, anchors for KEYE TV, were the event’s emcees.
“Most people have either time or resources to donate, and businesses are no different,” said John Paul DeJoria. “We contribute to make the world a better place to live, which makes everyone better, and in Austin, the generosity of local businesses makes this city a better place to live.”
ZUMA WINS CHARITABLE CHAMPION AWARD
Zuma Office Supply received the Charitable Champion Award for their support of nonprofits through monetary donations, and volunteered time. Their business model is structured to donate a minimum of 50% of the company’s annual profits to 10 nonprofits each year, which are selected through a voting process completed by Zuma’s customers while shopping online.
Additionally, Zuma employee’s volunteer time through company-wide projects, which have included providing relief for those affected by the recent Austin floods and holiday food drives. Zuma’s Capital Area Food Bank food drive at Vandegrift High School raised an amazing 2850 pounds of food which equals 2375 meals for hungry Central Texans during the holiday season. In 2013, Zuma won 2nd place in the Capital Area Food Bank’s Small Business Challenge, and they also participated in the Salvation Army’s Shoe-In program which donated over 800 pairs of shoes and 2000 pairs of socks to school children in need of footwear.
“We believe that business has a unique opportunity to help others and create positive social change,” said Greg Pierce, President and co-founder of Zuma Office Supply. “Volunteering and giving back to worthy charitable organizations adds immense meaning to our daily work lives.” Pierce went on to say that Zuma practices a Conscious Capitalism business model, and when businesses give back it’s good for the community, good for employees, and ultimately good for the business itself.
As part of the award, Austin Gives donated $1000 on behalf of Zuma to the Austin Shelter for Women and Children, a shelter facility run by the Salvation Army. Other Austin Gives award winners included eBay and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for their extraordinary charitable work in the community. All three companies were recognized at the Austin Gives event.
“I’m proud to support an organization that promotes the overall social and economic welfare of the city of Austin by encouraging local businesses to give back,” said Mayor Lee Leffingwell. “Austin Gives has achieved tremendous growth, and I look forward to seeing the success of this Austin community program continue for years to come.”
ABOUT ZUMA OFFICE SUPPLY
Zuma Office Supply is an ecommerce office supplies retailer who provides over 40,000 various office products to businesses nationwide. Through their website www.ZumaOffice.com, they provide next day nationwide delivery for most orders, and have a business model that donates over 50% of annual profits to ten nonprofit organizations. Zuma is headquartered in Austin, TX.
To learn more about Zuma Office Supply, visit www.zumaoffice.com, email gpierce@zumaoffice.com, customerservice@zumaoffice.com, or call toll free 877-473-4097.
ABOUT AUSTIN GIVES GENEROCITY AWARDS
The Austin Gives GeneroCity Award Program was created to recognize Austin businesses that are leaders in giving back to community-based, non-profit organizations. Each year, one small, one medium and one large business is recognized at the annual GeneroCity Awards celebration. Award recipients are selected by a panel comprised of local community leaders, including Nikelle Meade of Husch Blackwell; John-Michael Cortez of Capital Metro; Olga Campos of U.S. Money Reserve; Denise Bradley of St. David’s Healthcare; and Bobby Jenkins of ABC Home & Commercial Services.
To learn more information about Austin Gives or to join the organization at no charge, visit www.austingives.net, email info@austingives.net or contact Debbie Johnson, executive director of Austin Gives at 512-517-9485.